Alabama vs. LSU: Top 2021 NFL Draft prospects to watch

Jabril Cox, LB, LSU

Jabril Cox joined LSU this season after an already successful college career at North Dakota State. The move to LSU was clearly made with the 2021 NFL Draft in mind and Cox has proven that he belongs at the highest level of college football.

Cox is a long and athletic linebacker prospect who shows great range on the field. He shows good instincts in zone coverage and has the size and speed combination needed to be an impact player matched up in man.

It will be interesting to see if Cox can hold up against Alabama’s power-rushing attack in this game. Najee Harris is an absolute beast and he runs behind a mean and nasty offensive line that will be looking to open up massive holes for their running back. Can Cox step up and make plays against this top-notch rushing attack? If he can it could go a long way towards improving his already strong 2021 NFL Draft stock.

Ali Gaye, EDGE, LSU

With most of their top 2021 NFL Draft talent leaving early in order to get ready for the next level, there really aren’t many great options to talk about with LSU here. However, Ali Gaye is another transfer defender who may end up being a legitimate 2021 NFL Draft prospect to keep an eye on.

This is Gaye’s first year at LSU, joining the Tigers via the JUCO route. He is a big, strong and long edge defender who is powerful at the point of attack and is a legitimate impact player against the run. Gaye is quick off of the ball and does show some flexibility around the edge, but he is a power-based player who is unlikely to ever become a preimer pass rusher.

That being said, Gaye is a high motor player who sets the edge extremely well and shows high-level hand usage. It will be interesting to see how he holds up against a strong Alabama offensive line adn star running back Najee Harris.